Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

Discusses the possibilities for effective language teaching that might occur if teachers treated the computer as they would any other classroom aid, instead of seeing it as a rival. Examples given include text manipulation, question and answer, simulation, and the use of databases. (SED)

Argues that provision enhancements for autonomous language learning must be accompanied by improvements in the accessibility of information, an upgrade entailing the use of a database system to catalogue resources. The article presents the case for upgrading and computerizing resource catalogues, describes its implementation at a university, and…

Describes how a hypertext database "Focus on Writing" was created to assist English language teachers of Hong Kong secondary schools in the teaching of continuous writing. The article delineates the theoretical and practical rationale behind the evolving design of this database and discusses the emerging issues of this technology. (30…

Describes three models of CALL (computer assisted language learning) activity--games, the expert system, and the prosthetic approaches. A case is made for CALL development within a more instrumental view of the role of computers. (Author/CB)